Clinical trials

Purpose of the Study When a child loses a "baby" molar early due to a cavity or injury, the surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space. This often blocks the permanent adult tooth from growing in correctly. To prevent this, dentists use a small metal device called a space maintainer. This study aims to find out which of three different types of space maintainers lasts the longest, is most comfortable for the child, and is most efficient for the dental office to provide. The Three Study Groups Children in this study are randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1. 3D-Printed Custom Group: The dentist takes a digital picture (scan) of the child's mouth instead of a traditional mold. A custom-fit appliance is then 3D-printed using a specialized, medical-grade clear material. 2. Conventional Band-and-Loop Group: This is the traditional method. The dentist takes a physical mold of the teeth, which is sent to a laboratory. The child usually has to return for a second appointment a week later to have the metal appliance glued into place. 3. Denovo Chairside Group: This uses a kit of pre-made metal parts. The dentist selects the best fit and assembles the appliance right at the chairside, allowing it to be placed during a single visit. What is Being Measured? Researchers are following the children for 12 months to track: Survival: Which appliance stays glued in and doesn't break most effectively? Time: How much time does the dentist spend making and fitting the appliance? Comfort: How much discomfort or pain did the child feel during the process? Health: Does the appliance cause any irritation to the gums or surrounding teeth? Who Can Participate? The study includes children between the ages of 5 and 10 who have lost at least one primary (baby) molar early and need a space maintainer to protect their future adult smile. Importance of This Research By comparing these three methods, this study helps dentists understand if newer technologies, like 3D printing or pre-made kits, are better or more convenient than the traditional lab-made metal loops used for decades. This information will help families choose the best treatment for their children.

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the long-term clinical performance of three different luting cements used to bond prefabricated zirconia crowns (PZCs) on primary front teeth in young children. The trial will determine whether any single cement offers superior retention, gum health, or marginal sealing compared to the others over a 3-year period. Main Questions: The study aims to answer the following: Are conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC), bioactive resin-modified glass ionomer cement (BioCem™), and self-adhesive resin cement (SARC) equivalent in retaining prefabricated zirconia crowns on primary incisors over 36 months? Do these cements differ in their effect on gingival health, plaque accumulation, or marginal discoloration around the cemented crown? Comparison: Researchers will compare three parallel groups of children whose primary incisors are restored with identical prefabricated zirconia crowns but cemented with one of the three different luting cements. Participants will: Receive a clinical and radiographic dental examination at screening. Undergo placement of one or more prefabricated zirconia crowns on primary anterior teeth using their randomly assigned cement. Return to the clinic for blinded follow-up evaluations at 12, 24, and 36 months for assessment of crown retention, gingival health, plaque, and marginal staining.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if teleorthodontic remote monitoring is as effective as traditional in-office care for children undergoing Phase I expansion therapy. It will also evaluate whether this technology can safely reduce the frequency of unscheduled emergency appointments. Main Questions The study aims to answer the following: 1. Is remote monitoring non-inferior to conventional care in improving dental alignment, as measured by the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) Index? 2. Does the use of weekly smartphone-based photo check-ins significantly lower the number of unscheduled emergency visits? 3. How does remote monitoring impact appliance compliance, parental satisfaction, and the child's level of distress during treatment? Comparison Researchers will compare a teleorthodontics group-which uses weekly smartphone photography and clinic visits every 8 weeks-to a conventional group receiving standard in-person follow-ups every 4 weeks. Participant Activities Participants will: 1. Commence Phase I treatment using a maxillary or mandibular expansion appliance. 2. If assigned to the teleorthodontics group, capture a standardized set of five intraoral photographs weekly via a dedicated smartphone application. 3. Attend scheduled in-office checkups every 4 or 8 weeks, depending on their assigned group. 4. Maintain a daily diary to record appliance activations and report on their treatment experience.